2019, 2022, 2024 National Waste Policy Action Plan – Australian Government

The 2024 National Waste Policy Action Plan sets out where Australia must focus its efforts to transition to a safe circular economy. It was developed in line with the 2018 National Waste Policy.

The Action Plan supports Australia’s engagement in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production. It also supports Australia’s Circular Economy Framework.

Australia’s environment ministers agreed to the 2024 Action Plan on 10 December 2024. This Action Plan builds on the progress made under the 2019 Action Plan to achieve 7 ambitious targets.

The 2024 Action Plan identifies the waste material types and waste streams where the greatest gains can be made against the targets in 3 priority areas:

1. Government legislation, regulation, policies, standards and guidelines.
2. Investment in infrastructure, procurement and funding support.
3. Market development and support through innovation, reducing barriers and generating demand.

Australian Government and state and territory governments are developing implementation plans to support the Action Plan. These plans are expected to be made public by mid-2025.

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2021 The Australian National Plastic Plan outlines our approach to increase plastic recycling, find alternatives to unnecessary plastics and reduce the impact of plastic on the environment. The link to the National Plastics Plan 2021

2018 National Waste Policy provides a national framework for waste and resource recovery in Australia. It outlines roles and responsibilities for collective action by businesses, governments, communities and individuals.